Effects of the plant growth regulator chlormequat on plant form and yield of triticale

Three field experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the effect of application of the plant growth regulator chlormequat on growth and yield of the cereal triticale. Application of chlormequat resulted in shorter triticale plants as a result of restricted elongation of the upper internodes of the stem. These shorter plants produced a lower weight of straw and were more resistant to lodging. In two experiments chlormequat application led to no statistically significant increase in triticale grain yield; in a third yield was increased. Chlormequat consistently increased the number of grains per ear but this was offset to some extent by a lower mean grain weight. Yield was closely correlated with the number of grains per m². Leaf senescence was delayed by chlormequat. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that chlormequat can increase yield potential.